A NOTTS MP has said the East Coast Main Line should remain in public hands.

Lilian Greenwood, Labour MP for Nottingham South and Shadow Rail Minister, opposed the privatisation of the East Coast train operator during a debate in Parliament on Wednesday.

The East Coast runs through Retford and Newark to London.

Speaking in the Westminster Hall debate, the MP said: "Better services have made a real difference to passengers. In the East Midlands, more services now stop at Newark, direct trains have been established daily between Lincoln and London, and two weeks ago a new commuter service was launched from Grantham.